Del Potro wins comeback match after 10-month injury layoff

SYDNEY (AP) — Juan Martin Del Potro launched his comeback from a serious wrist injury with a convincing 6-3, 7-6 (4) win over Sergiy Stakhovsky in the first round of the Sydney International on Tuesday.

The former U.S. Open champion is ranked No. 338 after undergoing surgery on his left wrist last year and missing more than 10 months on tour.

He was granted a wild card to enter the main draw in Sydney, where he's the defending champion, but appeared to be fit and sharp in beating 69th-ranked Stakhovsky in 88 minutes. He will face top-seeded Fabio Fognini in the second round.

"These guys are playing all year. It's time to get back on the train again," del Potro said. "This tournament is very special to me."

It was del Potro's second extended layoff with a wrist injury. After capturing his only Grand Slam title at the 2009 U.S. Open, he underwent surgery on his right wrist and was sidelined for eight months.

Americans Bob and Mike Bryan, the world's top-ranked doubles combination, suffered a shock 1-6, 7-6 (4), 11-9 loss to unseeded Andre Begemann of Germany and Robin Haase of the Netherlands in the first round of the ATP Tour's Heineken Open in Auckland.